Most people have heard of liposuction, but not all of them have a full understanding of the procedure. If you’re thinking about having liposuction in Lubbock, it’s important to learn everything you can about it. Having false information or not knowing what to expect on the day of your surgery can be detrimental to your experience and even your results. Dr. Jane Rowley wants all of her patients to be well-informed about their procedure so they can feel comfortable making decisions and be satisfied with their outcome. Here are some of the most common questions we hear about Lubbock liposuction.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction (also called lipo or lipoplasty) is a very popular procedure that has helped many men and women finally defeat stubborn areas of fat on their bodies. It is a minimally invasive plastic surgery procedure that slims and reshapes the body. Liposuction uses suction to remove fat and enhance body contour. In 2018, the procedure was second in popularity only to breast augmentation. Over a quarter of a million Americans had liposuction last year – up 5 percent from the previous year.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

If you want to have any type of plastic surgery, you must be in good health. This means you should not have any major health problems such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, or any other life-threatening diseases. It is also important that you do not smoke. The nicotine in cigarettes and other products can increase your risk for serious complications with surgery and healing. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about creating a plan to help you quit smoking for at least a few weeks before and after your procedure.

The best candidates for liposuction in Lubbock are people who are within about 30 percent of their ideal weight. If you have already tried to eliminate your fat with diet and exercise with no success, liposuction may be the next step for you. Men and women who are obese do not make good candidates for the procedure. Patients with good skin elasticity and firm muscle tone will see the most positive results from liposuction.

The right candidate will also have realistic expectations and reasonable goals for the outcome of liposuction. No plastic surgery procedure will make your body flawless or solve all your problems. Communicate your hopes clearly to your doctor so they can help you determine whether liposuction can help you achieve them.

What Happens During Liposuction in Lubbock?

If you and your doctor decide that liposuction is right for you, you can start preparing for your procedure. On the big day, you will either receive a local anesthetic or general anesthesia depending on the number and size of the areas being treated. The surgeon then makes small incisions in the fatty tissue and suctions the fat out with a small tube called a cannula. To help minimize blood loss, Dr. Rowley uses the tumescent technique, in which fluid is injected into the incision sites. The fluid also acts as a local anesthetic. When your Lubbock liposuction surgery is complete, you will be dressed in a compression garment that you will need to wear for 2 to 4 weeks as your body heals.

Where Does Liposuction Work Best?

Some areas of the body respond better than others. Liposuction on the outer thighs, hips and chin (or submental region) can have great results on the right patient. However, the arms, inner thighs, and belly typically do not do as well. The abdomen, especially after pregnancy, is often better treated with a tummy tuck. If you have unwanted skin and fat on your arms, consider having an arm lift instead. Other common locations that can be improved with Lubbock liposuction include the buttocks, back, chest area, and neck. With a thorough evaluation at your consultation, your doctor will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for the specific areas of your body you would like to see contoured.

Will Liposuction Make Me Lose Weight?

If there’s one thing you should remember about liposuction, it’s this: it is not a weight-loss procedure. It is best to be somewhat close to your goal weight before undergoing liposuction. Lubbock men and women can even be at their ideal weight, but still be unhappy with areas of stubborn fat. Sometimes the number on the scale doesn’t reflect what we would like to see in the mirror. If you are more interested in shedding pounds than in enhancing your body contour, it may not be the right time for liposuction. It’s also important to note that this plastic surgery does not get rid of cellulite.

What liposuction can do is enhance your figure. It is a powerful body contouring tool that smooths out areas of fat that resist your diet and exercise regimen in Lubbock. Liposuction can give you a slimmer appearance and better overall body proportion.

Will the Fat Return?

No. Liposuction permanently eliminates fat cells from the body. Your plastic surgeon literally sucks them out through a tube, so they cannot return. However, if you gain weight after having liposuction, new fat can accumulate and decrease the look of your plastic surgery results. Staying dedicated to drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, and getting regular exercise will help you maintain your liposuction results for as long as possible.

Does Lubbock Liposuction Leave Scars?

People who are considering this type of plastic surgery are often concerned about scars that will be left after it is all said and done. Lipo requires cutting of the skin, which results in scars. However, the incisions made during the procedure are only a few millimeters long. The tubes used to suction out the fat are so small that they do not require a large opening in the skin to do their job.

The tiny scars left behind after your surgery will fade with time. An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to further conceal the incisions by placing them in discrete areas of the body. The only things that people will be able to notice are your new and improved figure and your soaring self-confidence.

What Can I Do to Reduce Scarring?

Your cosmetic surgery journey does not end when you go home after your procedure. It is important that you continue to take care of yourself if you want to make the most of the work you had done. Scars are a necessary part of plastic surgery, but there are things you can do to minimize them. Drinking plenty of water, keeping your incisions clean and dry, and protecting them from the sun will help minimize the scars caused by liposuction. Lubbock stores sell over-the-counter creams and lotions that can also aid in the skin’s healing process by keeping it hydrated.

Have More Questions?

Come see the Lubbock liposuction expert, Dr. Jane Rowley. She will answer all of your plastic surgery questions and give you an honest recommendation for your treatment. Dr. Rowley has over 20 years of plastic surgery experience and has seen exceptional results with liposuction in Lubbock on the right patients. If you are ready to pursue your cosmetic goals, Rowley Plastic Surgery is the place for unsurpassed confidence, competence, and communication – the keys to a successful plastic surgery journey. Call Rowley Plastic Surgery in Lubbock today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.